American Justin Potts, 33, is more fascinated with Japan's rural countryside than most Japanese and vexed by their lack of appreciation for its natural beauty, agricultural bounty and artistic cuisine.
Donning a pair of Japanese traditional split-toe tabi boots, Potts' love for the nation's agriculture led him to work at Umari Inc., which operates Roppongi Nouen, a restaurant in Tokyo that offers Japanese fare cooked with selected produce from farmers nationwide.
A three-minute walk from Roppongi Station, the restaurant also hosts events where farmers talk about their produce and daily lives to spark interest among customers.